Maccabi Tel Aviv Striker Said Abu Farhi Nears Transfer to MLS Colorado Rapids

Said Abu Farhi, the striker for Maccabi Tel Aviv, is set to transfer to the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, with the deal first reported by ynet. Maccabi Tel Aviv will receive 5.4 million euros for the transfer after negotiating with Abu Farhi to waive half a million dollars from his contractual bonus to finalize the agreement. Abu Farhi is expected to sign a five-year contract with Colorado Rapids, starting with an annual salary of $450,000, which is anticipated to increase over time.

Abu Farhi will not join the team for their upcoming Conference League playoff second-leg match against Lugano on Thursday, as he prepares to travel to the United States to complete the transfer. Meanwhile, Hailu Varela, who was injured during Maccabi's 5-2 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem, is expected to be fit for the match.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is also considering a deal for Gabi Kanikovsky from Ferencváros, although Kanikovsky's agent, Idan Ben Abu, denies any initial contact or negotiations have taken place. Such a transfer would cost Maccabi at least seven million euros, including a four-year contract with a salary of approximately 600,000 euros per season and a transfer fee of at least two million euros.

Maccabi's coach, Kenny Miller, stated after the recent game that the team expects to strengthen its squad before the transfer window closes. In team news, Roee Mesfati is likely to start as goalkeeper in the next league match against Maccabi Haifa, replacing Ofek Malika, who was sent off and is expected to return for the second leg against Lugano.